If there was any doubt about San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan's recovery from the injuries he suffered in a recent car accident, his pacing along the sidelines during Thursday night's preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans put those doubts to rest.
Shanahan took on his typical preseason head-coaching role, which does not include play-calling. As was the case last year, that responsibility went to offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, who will call the plays throughout the preseason. Shanahan will resume those duties in the regular season.
So, for the head coach, Thursday night's game was not much different from last year's preseason opener.
"I didn't call a play last year in preseason, so it really felt the same as last year," Shanahan said. "I have a lot of confidence in Klay. He does as good of a job as anyone I've been around at it. So, nothing new today."
The July 14 car accident left Shanahan with a broken nose, three broken ribs, and a broken left hand. The coach was still wearing a protective brace over his injured hand on Thursday night.
Shanahan also suffered a severe concussion in the accident, which limited his role at the start of 49ers training camp. He has gradually ramped up his workload and felt well enough to coach from the sidelines against the Titans.
As for returning to the sidelines after going through such an ordeal, Shanahan said the experience felt much like being back at practice.
"I know everyone knows I missed some things, and haven't been calling plays as much, but I don't really do that in the preseason anyways," Shanahan said. "So, it's felt pretty normal, on a pretty normal schedule. Missed some of the media stuff, missed some of the hours. It's not exactly consistent, but football's been pretty normal for me."
With Shanahan back on the sideline Thursday night and taking questions from reporters after the game, everything appears to be pointing toward the 49ers head coach being ready for the start of the regular season.
The 49ers will open the regular season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, in Week 1, giving Shanahan several more weeks to continue his recovery before the games begin to count.
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